Early detection of lesions of dorsal artery of foot in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by high-frequency ultrasonography

Summary  This study evaluated the value of high-frequency ultrasonograpy for early detection of dorsal artery of foot in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (MD). Eighty subjects including 40 patients with type 2 MD (T2DM group) and 40 healthy volunteers (NC group) were recruited. The intima-media thickness (IMT), the inner diameter and the perfusion of dorsal artery of foot were measured by using high-frequency ultrasonograpy. Meanwhile, the parameters of vascular elasticity, including stiffness parameter (β), pressure-strain elastic modulus (Eρ), arterial compliance (AC), augment index (AI), and pulse wave conducting velocity (PWVβ) were detected by means of echo-tracking technique. The results showed that no significant difference was found in the IMT, systolic diameter (Ds), diastolic diameter (Dd) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) between T2DM and NC groups. Eρ and PWVβ were increased, and AC was decreased in T2DM group as compared with those in NC group with the differences being significant (P<0.05 for all). There was no significant difference in β and AI between T2DM and NC groups. It was concluded that high-frequency ultrasonography in combination with echo-tracking technique is sensitive and non-invasive, and can be used for early detection of sclerosis of the lower extremity artery in patients with type 2 MD.